Lillene Edwards Ballard, 81, died Saturday, Nov. 11. 2017 at North Miss. Medical Center in Tupelo after many years of failing health. Lillene was born on July 20, 1936 in the Union Community of Lee County to the late Robert Lee and Clay Ivy Edwards. She grew up there and graduated from Shannon High School in l955. She resided in Shannon most of her adult life. By faith a Baptist, she was a longtime member of South Green Baptist Church in Tupelo. Lillene was retired as Sewing Supervisor for Futorian/Mohasco Company after over 30 years service. Lillene was a strong, independent lady who lived her Christian principles including helping many who needed her help. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, canning, working in her flowers and watching TV. She will be remembered as having a servant’s heart, a strong faith and being a dear friend to many.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 2 PM Monday, November 13, 2017 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Rev. John Ben Raper officiating. Private burial will follow in the Union Cemetery south of Plantersville. Visitation will be from 4 PM-6PM today (Sunday) and from Noon-service time Monday all at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving the family.
Lillene was well acquainted with grief and loss in her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Clay Edwards, her husbands, Ralph McCauley, Jessie Terry and William C. Ballard; her beloved only child, Barbara Lynn McCauley in 2004, five brothers, Edgar, Thomas, Gene, Bud and John Edwards, two sisters, Dorothy Jolly and Ruby Smith, two stepdaughters, Corrine Box and Norma Lowery and a special niece, Judy Bullard and special nephew, Darrell Smith. Those left to mourn her passing include her two nieces, Pat Davis and Martha Johnson both of the Shannon area-and their families. She also leaves five step children, Delane Terry (Patsy), Carol Morris, Mark Ballard, Michael Ballard and Jane BenHashal. Lillene was blessed with many special friends and caregivers but was especially fond of Doris Gladney who spent over 5 years meeting her every need. She leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers will be family and close friends.
